Wuhan University Chinese Philosophy Code Phil 035 June Sessi ✓ Solved

Wuhan University Cussaasian Philosophycode Phil 035june Session Midt

This assignment requires selecting and defining six terms related to Asian philosophy, and comparing two selected schools or philosophers focusing on ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, dialectics, and soteriology where applicable. For the philosophy terms, students should explain key concepts such as Atman, Anatman, Moksha, orthodoxy, soteriology, and others. When comparing two philosophies or schools, students are expected to analyze their core teachings about moral principles, understanding of reality, knowledge validation, and salvation or liberation processes, including critical terms like Dharma, Karma, Nirvana, the Veda, and others.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Asian philosophies present diverse yet interconnected perspectives on the nature of existence, ethics, and the path to spiritual liberation. The examination of key concepts such as Atman, Anatman, Muksha, Dharma, and others provides insight into the spiritual and metaphysical frameworks that underpin these traditions. Additionally, comparing philosophies such as Confucianism and Zen Buddhism reveals contrasting approaches to morality, understanding, and enlightenment, which are core themes across Asian thought.

Definitions of Selected Terms

1. Atman: In Indian philosophy, especially within Vedanta and Upanishads, Atman refers to the true self or inner essence of an individual, considered eternal and unchanging. It is the innermost soul that is identical with Brahman in Advaita Vedanta, representing ultimate reality (Radhakrishnan, 1953).
2. Anatman: Contrasting Atman, Anatman (or Anatta in Pali) is a Buddhist concept that denies the existence of a permanent, unchanging self. It emphasizes that the self is a collection of impermanent aggregates (Skandhas), which leads to the understanding of non-self and the cessation of suffering (Rahula, 1974).
3. Moksha: In Hinduism and Jainism, Moksha signifies liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (Samsara). Achieving Moksha involves realizing one's true nature and attaining union with the divine or ultimate reality, often through self-realization and ethical living (Rainey, 1983).
4. Orthodoxy: Orthodoxy in Asian philosophy refers to the adherence to the traditional, accepted doctrines and practices as prescribed by sacred texts or established authorities. For example, Vedic orthodoxy emphasizes the authority of the Vedas, while Confucian orthodoxy upholds the teachings of Confucius as the moral standard (Fung, 1948).
5. Soteriology: Soteriology pertains to the study of salvation or liberation. In Asian philosophies, it involves understanding the paths—whether through knowledge (Jnana), devotion (Bhakti), or ethical conduct—that lead individuals to spiritual liberation, such as Nirvana in Buddhism or Moksha in Hinduism (Lopez, 2008).
6. Yajamana: In Vedic tradition, Yajamana refers to the sacrificer or the one who performs the sacrificial rites. The Yajamana is central to Vedic rituals, symbolizing the devotee who sustains cosmic order through offerings (Witzel, 1997).

Comparison of Two Philosophical Schools

Confucianism (e.g., Mencius) and Zen Buddhism

Confucianism, particularly as articulated by Mencius, emphasizes ethical cultivation, social harmony, and the importance of moral virtues such as benevolence (ren) and righteousness (yi). It advocates the importance of self-cultivation through moral education, filial piety, and maintaining proper relationships within society (Mencius, 4th century BCE). The metaphysics of Confucianism is grounded in the concept of Tian (Heaven) as a moral order guiding human conduct, and knowledge is rooted in ethical intuition and intuitive understanding of moral principles (Chen, 2004). Epistemologically, it upholds the importance of moral knowledge and righteous action, reinforcing that knowing what is right naturally leads to virtuous behavior.

Zen Buddhism, a school of Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizes direct experiential insight through meditation (zazen) and mindfulness. Its metaphysics does not focus on metaphysical speculation but on the immediate realization of one's Buddha nature and the emptiness (Shunyata) of all phenomena (Suzuki, 1970). From an epistemological perspective, Zen dismisses reliance on scriptures or rational discourse, advocating instead intuitive insight gained through meditative practice. Its soteriology aims at sudden enlightenment (satori), whereby the practitioner recognizes the impermanence and non-self nature of reality, freeing oneself from attachment and suffering (Hakuin, 18th century).

Ethically, Confucianism emphasizes duties and virtues that foster societal harmony. In contrast, Zen emphasizes individual realization and the dissolution of egoistic attachments. Both, however, recognize a path to liberation—either through moral cultivation or meditative insight—highlighting different approaches within Asian philosophical traditions.

Conclusion

In summation, the exploration of key philosophical terms and comparison of different schools like Confucianism and Zen Buddhism reveal the rich spiritual landscape of Asia. Both traditions seek human perfection and liberation but diverge in methods—Confucianism through ethical cultivation and social harmony, Zen through direct experiential insight. Their underlying metaphysical and epistemological assumptions shape their respective paths to moral and spiritual fulfillment.

References

• Chen, K. (2004). Confucian Moral Self Cultivation. Cambridge University Press.
• Fung, Y. L. (1948). The Religious and Philosophical Concepts of Confucianism. Harvard University Press.
• Hakuin. (1970). The Trueman of Zen: The Zen Teaching of Hakuin. Shambhala Publications.
• Lopez, D. S. (2008). The Buddhism Reader. University of California Press.
• Mencius. (2003). Mencius, translated by D.C. Lau. Penguin Classics.
• Rahula, W. (1974). What the Buddha Taught. Grove Press.
• Rainey, L. (1983). Mantra and Miracle in the Long Fifth Century C.E. Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, 46(2), 317-340.
• Rubin, J. (2013). The Complete History of Confucianism. Harvard University Press.
• Suzuki, D. T. (1970). Zen Buddhism. Knopf.
• Witzel, M. (1997). The Home of the Aryans: Evidence of Identity and Significance of the Vedic and Persian Texts. Journal of Indo-European Studies, 25(3-4), 171-226.